German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed readiness on Thursday to back a short extension to Britain's planned exit from the European Union, suggesting that the June 30 date requested by Prime Minister Theresa May was problematic.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday that Britain would face a disorderly departure from the European Union if she fails to get parliamentary approval for her deal on the third attempt next week.

EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker explicitly stated there may have to be an emergency Brexit next week, as he arrived at Thursday's EU summit in Brussels. Commenting on the likelihood of British MPs voting down prime minister Theresa May's deal for a third time, ahead of the Brexit date of 29 March, Juncker said: "In the event of no-deal...we'll be back here next week".

If British Prime Minister Theresa May hoped a televised address late on Wednesday would help persuade wavering lawmakers to support her Brexit deal, it appears to have backfired, instead alienating the very people she needs to win over.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday a short delay to Britain's departure from the European Union would give parliament time to make a final choice on Brexit, hours before she will make her case with EU leaders for an extension.

French president Emmanuel Macron struck the strongest note yet of the consequences of British MPs not approving Theresa May's Brexit deal as he arrived at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday. Macron told reporters: "We can discuss and agree an extension - if it is a technical extension. In case of 'no' vote ... directly, it will guide everybody to a no-deal for sure. This is it".

German chancellor Angela Merkel warned that the days after Thursday's EU summit could be vital to avoid a no-deal Brexit next week. Arriving in Brussels, she said the UK parliament may not approve British prime minister Theresa May's deal on a third vote. "In that situation we may also, day by day after the summit, decide what we can do". Merkel called the deal well-negotiated and warned options were limited.

There will be an extraordinary EU leaders meeting next week if the British parliament votes down for the third time the Brexit deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May, the head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said.